Riding the Airline Shuttle
Take the shuttle if you purchased economy class tickets from Emirates or Etihad airlines. The shuttles are complimentary and travel to and from Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The shuttles run multiple times a day, so you have plenty of options to accommodate your itinerary. You can view running times and reserve your seat on the Etihad shuttle by visiting etihad.com/en-ae/plan-and-book/book-etihad-express/. Emirates does not offer an online booking method, but you can check out what times the coaches run at https://www.emirates.com/english/before-you-fly/dubai-international-airport/shuttle-service-dubai/.
Arrive on time for your shuttle. Shuttles usually leave on schedule, so don’t be late! However, if you do miss your shuttle, just wait for the next one. Etihad has 10 shuttles daily, while Emirates has 6. If you're taking the Emirates shuttle, you may want to explore nearby, as the next shuttle won't arrive for at least 2 hours.
Board your shuttle and enjoy the ride! Take in the scenery through the window and relax. Expect to arrive in Abu Dhabi in about 2 hours. Store your luggage in the compartment under the shuttle for a comfortable ride, but keep personal and financial items such as passports and credit cards with you at all times.
Taking the Public Bus
Find out which bus station is near you. If you have a GPS device, use it to determine your location and provide your route. If you don't have a GPS, use a map or ask a local which bus station is nearby. If you are in Bur Dubai, Satwa, or Karama, take the E100 bus from the Al Ghubaiba Bus Station to the Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station. If you are in Marina, JLT, or the JBR area, take the E101 bus from the Ibn Battuta Metro Station.
Walk or taxi to your chosen bus station. Since there are two stations in the city, you won't have to travel very far to reach one. You can walk there if you like, or take a taxi instead. There are taxis constantly circulating throughout the city, so flag one down and ask to be taken to the nearest bus station. If you can't find a taxi, see if an employee of a nearby establishment will call one for you.
Purchase your ticket for the public bus with a standard RTA Nol card. Tickets are affordable at only 25 AED (about 7 USD) for one-way travel. This is the most affordable option if you are not eligible for the airline shuttle. An RTA Nol card is a smart card that basically functions as an electronic bus pass. You can purchase one of the many ticket offices, RTA customer services centers, and even ticket vending machines.
Arrive about 15 minutes early for your scheduled trip. Public buses don’t always run on time due to factors like traffic and mechanical error, so arriving early will help insure that you don’t miss your bus. If you miss your bus, wait 15-30 minutes for the next one, depending on the bus station. Keep in mind when you are traveling that buses only run from 6am-11pm. Have an alternate method of transportation or book a room if you decide to stay in Abu Dhabi past 11pm.
Board your bus and store your luggage in the upper compartments. Your bus will probably be full if it’s a busy time of day, so store your luggage to keep the isles clear. You will also save yourself the aggravation of your bag taking up valuable leg room. Since you will most likely be able to store your bag directly overhead, there is no need to keep personal or financial items on your person. They should be safe in your bag until it’s time to exit the bus and compartments are opened.
Sit back and enjoy the scenery. Prepare for a 2-hour-long bus ride. Settle in and check out the view. Ask the locals on the bus about fun activities to do in Abu Dhabi. The bus ride is a great time to catch up on emails, read a book, or listen to your favorite playlist.
Hiring a Taxi
Call or wave down a taxi. If you don't have a phone, most establishments will call a taxi for you if you ask.If someone is calling for you, tell them you would like to go to Abu Dhabi, as some taxi drivers do not operate beyond the city of Dubai. If you waved down a taxi, tell the driver your destination before you get in the car. After the driver agrees, you may then put your luggage in the trunk and enter the taxi. A one-way trip to Abu Dhabi via taxi will cost you around 250AED (about 68 USD). However, be prepared to pay more than that in case of unexpected delays on the highway.
Buckle up for the 2-hour taxi ride. Taxi drivers in the Emirates are notorious for speeding and making sudden stops, so prepare yourself for a bumpy ride. Lots of drivers are under stress to make as many fares as possible due to high fines by their employers. If you have a driver who is willing to engage in conversation, ask about places to go in Abu Dhabi. They can most likely tell you about local hangouts and fun activities to do during your trip.
Pay and tip your driver. Always tip your taxi driver unless they have made your experience unpleasant. It is common to round up your fare to the nearest note, and most people tip between 5 and 10 AED.After you've paid, you can begin your adventure in Abu Dhabi.
Renting a Car
Locate a car rental establishment. If you flew into Dubai International Airport, you can rent a car from one of the rental facilities inside the airport. If you didn't fly in or you're already roaming the city, find a hotel and ask a concierge where to find a rental car. Hotel personnel are used to answering questions and will be happy to help you find a car company.
Provide your local and international driver’s license to rent a car. If you do not have both licenses, you will not be allowed to rent a car. This method of transportation is more affordable than a taxi, but it can end up being a hassle if you don’t have the correct documents. If you have both documents, you should be able to rent a car easily.
Map out your route and prepare to depart. Use GPS navigation if needed. Gas up and use the restroom before you leave Dubai to avoid unnecessary stops during the trip. Double check that you have all the belongings you need for the day in Abu Dhabi. The most common route is to take the Sheikh Zayed Road, or Highway E 11. Depending on where you enter the highway, it has at least one toll. Tolls typically cost 4 AED.
Drive to Abu Dhabi. Enjoy the scenic drive along the coast. Remember to obey the speed limit to avoid any trouble with the local law enforcement. Follow your route carefully and prepare to arrive in about two hours.
Flying by Helicopter
Book your trip a week in advance. Contact a private helicopter transit company and schedule your trip. Do an Internet search to find the right company for your needs. Many of these companies have websites you can browse such as helidubai or Abu Dhabi Aviation. They may require a deposit. Flying to Abu Dhabi in a helicopter is the most costly option for transportation. For 5 people, it will cost you around 14,900 AED, which is about 4,056 USD.
Follow the instructions given to you to meet your helicopter. Some companies may have a car pick you up and bring you to their helipad. Other companies may require that you meet them at a specific location.
Get your money’s worth by soaking up the scenery. Flying in a helicopter over the Persian Gulf Coast is probably the best view you’ll get out of your trip. Enjoy the 45-minute flight to Abu Dhabi and ask your pilot questions if you have them. If you brought a camera, this is a great opportunity to take pictures of the landscape from the air.
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